Eugene (Gene) Williams

Omaha - Eugene “Gene” Williams was born on April 17, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, and passed away peacefully at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 10, 2026, at the age of 78.

Gene was raised primarily by his beloved grandmother, Rose Randon, whom he adored and who played an important role in shaping the man he would become.

Gene graduated from Denver East High School, home of the Angels, in 1966. A gifted and decorated student-athlete, he competed in three sports—football, wrestling, and track and field. His love of athletics would remain a defining part of his life and eventually become one of the many ways he positively influenced generations of young people.

Following high school, Gene attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, where he continued competing in football and track and field. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and, after graduation, moved with his young family to Omaha.

In 1970, Gene began a long and impactful career with the Omaha Public Schools as a teacher and coach. After spending a short time at Lewis and Clark Middle School, he moved to Omaha North High School, where he would spend the majority of his teaching and coaching career.

At Omaha North, Gene served in numerous coaching roles, including as a head coach in boys’ and girls’ gymnastics, wrestling, and boys’ and girls’ soccer. Under his leadership, multiple athletes became individual state champions in gymnastics and wrestling. Gene was also part of Omaha North athletic history: he served as the school’s final head gymnastics coach before gymnastics was no longer sanctioned by the Nebraska School Activities Association and as the first head coach of both the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs.

While building his career as an educator and coach, Gene continued his own education, earning a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Of all the athletes Gene coached over the years, none meant more to him than his sons, Eugene III “Gene” and Jason. He coached several of their youth sports teams and never missed either son’s sporting events throughout their collegiate careers. Being their father and supporting them in everything they pursued was among the greatest joys of his life.

Over the course of his career, Gene made a positive and lasting impact on thousands of students, athletes, and young people throughout the Omaha community. He eventually served as a traveling elementary physical education teacher before retiring from Omaha Public Schools in 2003.

Gene’s dedication to athletics extended well beyond his years as a teacher and coach. For more than 30 years, he served as an official for the Nebraska State Track Meet, continuing his lifelong connection to track and field and the student-athletes who competed in the sport he loved.

Retirement, however, did not mean Gene was finished working with and helping others. He continued serving young people as a substitute teacher for Omaha Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, and Westside Community Schools. He also spent 13 years working for Community Alliance in Omaha as a Residential Rehabilitation Specialist, continuing a lifetime devoted to supporting and encouraging others.

Gene was also a familiar and beloved presence at the Holy Name Fish Fry, where he became a staple over the years, serving up fish and joy to all who came through the doors. It was another place where Gene’s warmth, humor, and love of people could be felt by everyone around him.

Beyond the classroom, gym, wrestling mat, soccer field, track, and community, Gene will be remembered most for the person he was. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather—and one heck of a storyteller. His stories, humor, presence, and the lessons he shared will live on through his family, former students, athletes, colleagues, friends, and the countless people whose lives were made better because Gene was part of them.

Gene lived a wonderful life, and he will be deeply missed by many.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Rose Randon; his mother and father, Gwendolyn (Randon) Williams and Eugene Williams; his cousin, Rody Randon, affectionately known as “Bo Boy”; his aunt, Lily Randon; his uncle, Butch Randon; and many other grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Karen (Steckman) Williams; his sons, Eugene “Gene” Williams and Jason Williams; his stepsons, Jeffrey Steckman and Christopher Steckman; his previous spouse, Lois (Vader) Miller; and his grandchildren, Michael Mihelakakis, Shailey “Shay” Williams, Max Williams, Carson Crockett, Maya Williams, Calen Crockett, Maddox Williams, Sloan Steckman, and Kent Steckman.

Gene’s legacy can be found not only in championships, accomplishments, and a distinguished career in education, but in the lives of the people he taught, coached, encouraged, loved, and believed in. His influence will continue for generations.

Visitation Friday 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary. Memorial Service 10:30 AM Saturday (8/15/2026) at Holy Name Catholic Church 2901 Fontenelle Blvd. Omaha, NE.

Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000 www.RoederMortuary.com